School is out and it’s time for cook outs, but let’s remember the dairy so our kid’s fill in those nutrient gaps that they may miss. Half of kids fall short on key nutrients including calcium, vitamin D and potassium, and milk can fill those gaps in your kiddos’ diet.
Learn why other Mommy registered dietitians are fueling their kiddos with dairy this summer.
Kelly Springer, owner of Kelly’s Choice: “As a dietitian and a very busy mom, I love how easy it is to refuel myself and my kids with milk! My kids are tweens and they are in almost every sport. When we get home from the pool, the field or a bike ride, we refuel with milk. Milk naturally has electrolytes and the necessary protein and carbohydrates to rebuild our muscles and refuel our cells. Milk is chuck full of nutrition and perfect for after any activity! Plus, my kids love it!
Deanna Segrave-Daly, registered dietitian, mom and blogger at TeaspoonofSpice.com: “I include milk, cheese and yogurt in my daughter’s diet for its great nutrient package, from the calcium for bone health to protein for staying power. But most importantly, I include it for the variety and taste – foods that she loves with the nutrition she needs.
Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, culinary nutrition expert and mom of twin 6 ½ year old girls: “I include dairy in my twin girls’ diets because it’s quick, easy and my kids love it! Those are three factors that make feeding kids a pleasure and not a pain. I am so thankful every day that my girls love yogurt, cheese and milk. I definitely don’t take it for granted.”
Sally Kuzemchak at Real Mom Nutrition: “I include dairy in my children’s diets because it has so many nutrients they need right now for growth and good health–like protein, calcium, vitamin D and potassium–all together in foods and drinks they really like.
Social media guru at School Meals That Rock: “For the millions of children who live with food insecurity, hunger does not take a summer vacation. The USDA Summer Foodservice Program fills the gap with tasty balanced meals with ice cold milk for children 2 to 19 years at thousands of schools, parks and other sites across the county. These free breakfasts, lunches and suppers provide nutrients, like calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein, that children need to keep growing strong bodies and smart brains over the summer. For a site near you, text FOOD to 877-877.
So now that you know the reasons why we dairy, find out how we dairy! During June, National Dairy Month, we will have a series of videos that highlight #ThisIsHowWeDairy. Follow the hashtag to learn how moms include dairy in their kiddos’ diets during the summer.
